Stephen Walsh
An Aberdeen street had to be sealed off for a second gas leak in the space of just 24 hours after thieves stole piping from a block of flats.
Police were forced to shut Holland Street after a gas leak was discovered on Monday night.
Then, just a few hours later, copper piping from a neighbouring property was stolen, which led to a second leak.
It was only while emergency repairs were being carried out to the latter that it was discovered piping had been stolen from the first flat.
Officers cordoned off the area to allow the remedial work to be implemented.
The force has confirmed the piping was worth between £100 and £500.
Scotland Gas Network was called out to deal with both incidents and James Higgins, a spokesman for the company, said: “We attended [the scene] quickly and made the situation safe by capping off the internal pipework.
“We left the site shortly afterwards after carrying out our safety checks.
“We were then called out to another property on Holland Street early on Tuesday morning.
“Again, we attended quickly, making the situation safe by capping off the internal pipework. And after carrying out our safety checks, we left the site.”
The culprits were condemned in strong terms by ward councillor Jean Morrison.
She said: “It’s a shocking theft and a dangerous one as well.
“Luckily enough, it was reported, it could have been a lot worse.
“You just figure on people doing things like that. The value of the copper stolen would be absolutely nothing, when compared to the value of lives had an explosion happened.
“I hope they catch them sooner rather than later.”
Police have confirmed they are investigating the thefts.
A spokeswoman said: “Inquiries are at an early stage into the theft of the piping. The discovery of it being taken was on Tuesday.
“Piping valued at a low three-figure sum was taken. We are appealing for witnesses to come forward.”
Anyone who has information should contact police on 101.